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U.S. Strikes M/V Vela Nova, Disabling Steering Gear in Oman

8/13/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. forces fired Hellfire missiles from an MH-60 helicopter at the cargo ship M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman, disabling its steering gear.
CENTCOM said the ship will not transit to Iran after the crew ignored warnings, reporting all 17 crew were accounted for and the fire was extinguished.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had redirected 55 vessels, disabled three and boarded two by August 11 since the July 14 blockade.

History

Historical Context

During the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq’s 1981 tanker-war and Iran’s 1984 attacks on Kuwaiti shipping prompted the United States to reflag Kuwaiti tankers in Operation Earnest Will (24 July 1987–26 Sept 1988), escorting eleven vessels at a cost of about $1.5 billion. The July 14, 2024 CENTCOM blockade echoes that precedent, using MH-60 helicopters to interdict the M/V Vela Nova and redirect dozens of ships.

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Story summary

U.S. forces fired Hellfire missiles from an MH-60 helicopter at the cargo ship M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman, disabling its steering gear.
CENTCOM said the ship will not transit to Iran after the crew ignored warnings, reporting all 17 crew were accounted for and the fire was extinguished.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had redirected 55 vessels, disabled three and boarded two by August 11 since the July 14 blockade.

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